CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has selected Dr. Kevin A. Catlin as Chesterfield’s next county administrator.

Catlin, who currently serves as county administrator and controller of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, was chosen from among a pool of finalists following a nationwide recruitment.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence the Board of Supervisors has placed in me to serve as Chesterfield’s next county administrator,” Catlin said. “Throughout this process, I was consistently impressed by the board’s commitment to excellence, the professionalism of the organization, and the genuine pride employees and residents have in their community.

He added, “Chesterfield has earned a national reputation for exceptional public service, sound financial stewardship, and a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. I am excited to join such a talented team of public servants and to work alongside the board, employees, community partners and residents to build upon the county’s strong foundation. The county’s commitment to being responsible, innovative, service driven and engaged aligns closely with my own leadership philosophy. My family and I look forward to becoming part of the Chesterfield community and contributing to its continued success for many years to come.”

Dr. Mark Miller, chair of the Board of Supervisors (Midlothian District), called a special meeting of the board for Monday, June 22, to publicly introduce Catlin at Chesterfield’s historic 1917 courthouse. The board will formally vote on his appointment at its regular business meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

“Chesterfield County’s reputation for excellence did not happen by accident. It is a result of strong leadership, dedicated employees, and a clear vision for the future. Dr. Catlin recognizes and respects that foundation. I look forward to working together to continue delivering exceptional services to our residents,” Miller said.

Catlin officially begins his new role with Chesterfield on Aug. 24. He succeeds Dr. Joe Casey, who is retiring July 1 after a decade as county administrator.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint Matt Harris, deputy county administrator for finance and administration, to serve as interim county administrator effective July 1.

Catlin has more than a decade of public-sector executive leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to support governing bodies through consensus-driven leadership, fiscal stewardship and long-range capital planning, economic development partnerships, employee engagement and collaboration with nonprofit organizations to enhance service delivery in growing suburban communities.

“No matter Dr. Catlin’s outstanding academic profile and demonstrated experience, we know that leading Chesterfield requires an exceptional personality and natural ability to engage with others,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Kevin Carroll (Matoaca District). “We found in Dr. Catlin someone whose charisma and communication style are going to relate to the community and county workforce in equal measure. He also brings a desire to be part of community where public safety, education, a strong economy and outstanding quality of life aren’t just a goal, but an expectation.”

As Kalamazoo County’s chief administrative and accounting officer since May 2022, Catlin oversees the day-to-day operations of its local government with a $325 million annual budget and about 1,000 employees.

During his tenure, Catlin played a key role in facilitating an agreement involving county-owned assets that helped enable the development of a more than $500 million event center in downtown Kalamazoo. The project will enhance Western Michigan University's hockey and basketball programs, provide a new downtown home for the Kalamazoo Wings hockey team, and serve as a catalyst for continued economic development and investment in the city's urban core.

He strengthened relationships with major employers, including Stryker, Pfizer, and Bronson Healthcare, to support workforce development, site readiness and long-term economic competitiveness.

By leveraging nonprofit and philanthropic partnerships, Catlin also secured more than $20 million in commitments to address housing instability and affordability, including development of Kalamazoo County’s first transitional family housing shelter, enhancing coordinated service delivery to vulnerable populations.

“What stood out throughout this process was Dr. Catlin’s commitment to collaboration,” said Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider. “He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to bring various perspectives together, build consensus, and move organizations forward with a shared vision. That approach will serve Chesterfield well.”

Catlin previously served as county administrator for Boone County, Illinois, from September 2020 to April 2022.

While guiding the county through the operational and fiscal challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he implemented technology platforms and digital engagement tools that enhanced transparency, expanded public access to government services and modernized communication between the county and residents. He developed and launched a Budget 101 public education initiative to improve understanding of county finances, strengthening public trust and engagement in the budget process.

“Dr. Catlin understands that outstanding local government is built on strong partnerships,” said Dale District Supervisor Dr. LeQuan Hylton. “His experience working alongside nonprofits, private-sector leaders, community members, and other stakeholders reflects the collaborative spirit that has helped make Chesterfield a welcoming destination for all.”

As city manager for Springfield, Michigan, from May 2018 to September 2020, Catlin helped catalyze investment in and revitalization of underutilized commercial areas; enhanced quality of life, mobility and neighborhood connectivity through a prioritized street and sidewalk infrastructure program; and identified operational efficiencies and personnel restructuring that generated more than $350,000 in first-year savings on an $11 million annual budget.

He also strengthened public safety operations by coordinating emergency management planning and regional law enforcement partnerships while serving as director of public safety and special deputy sheriff.

“I appreciate that Dr. Catlin has a clear understanding that public safety is our county’s top priority and guiding principle,” said Bermuda District Supervisor Jim Ingle. “He recognizes that maintaining a safe community requires investment in our first responders and emergency preparedness efforts. His support for those who serve on the front lines will help ensure we continue providing the high level of service our residents expect and deserve.”

Catlin holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration, from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He earned the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association — a national recognition of excellence in local government leadership, ethics and professional management — in April 2026.

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